Eos Assault & Skirmish

The raiders on Eos proved themselves to be a slight problem at the outpost. It didn't take them long to attack the place after Chris, Laura, and Johnson got there. Luckily for them, a quarrian named Zor'Kin had a way for them to get even. They study the map carefully and see the locations of where the enemy is attacking from. The only problem now is deciding what to do now.

Laura states, "I understand what we can do, but we should at least stick to our orders and inform Wagner. He will send APEX teams to deal with them."

Chris laughs, "I say we tell no one and deal with the problem ourselves. We can submit a report after we are done."

Zor nervously says, "If you want, I can inform Wagner of what you are going to do. This way, he will understand your tasks and even provide some support."

A. Paragon Choice: Inform Wagner.

B. Neutral Choice: Let APEX handle it.

C. Renegade Choice: Tell no one until later.

Johnson replies, "Let Wagner know what will are going to do. And before we go, we need better equipment than what we got if we are going to take on the raiders."

Everyone is overjoyed to hear their plan and provide them with enhanced armor and weapons. Once they are ready, they take a small shuttle to the first location. They land near Black Rock Tande and sneak over to find raiders all around the area with innocent people in cages; the camp has more than a few raiders and outlaws. The situation looks bad until a gun is fired. Every outlaw and raider turn in the direction to see shots coming from behind a drop ship. Johnson and his team look over by the ship to see a familiar turian holding her own against the raiders. Johnson orders Chris and Laura to take up positions around the area; the attacks from all around would leave the outlaws and raiders confused. As they all gun down and eliminate the enemy, they watch many of them run away. One outlaw holds a man hostage as he demands to walk away free. Johnson slowly approaches him only to see Covina pop out of cover and shoot the man. With the problem over and the enemy gone, Laura and Chris begin to free the prisoners.

Covina comes to Johnson, "You came at a perfect time. And thanks for the distraction with the last one. I wouldn't have saved the hostage if you didn't show up."

A. Paragon Choice: That was a bad idea.

B. Neutral Choice: It had to be done.

C. Renegade Choice: Nice shot.

Johnson says, "That was irresponsible of you. The hostage could've died if you missed."

Covina thinks about her action and regrets it. She says, "But he didn't...I... I'm sorry about that. Are you alright, sir?"

The man answers, "I'm ok. The name's Bobby. I am happy you came here to rescue us. Those crazy fools kept us locked up for a long time and talked about getting even against some krogan that betrayed them."

Johnson asks, "Is this krogan a problem for them? What happen?"

Bobby replies, "The krogan went insane and killed a lot of raiders at one of their camp sites not too far from here. They said something about not paying him; I think they are at the Outland Spire by the lake."

Covina looks at Johnson, "I know who that krogan is. I need to find him and arrest him for the destruction he caused. I'm coming with you."

A. Paragon Choice: I can use your help.

B. Neutral Choice: Why should I bring you?"

C. Renegade Choice: No thanks.

Johnson happily agrees, "I'll take all the help I can get. Plus, if we run into any more raiders, we need more firepower."

Covina is glad to hear it, and she is introduced to the others. Once the people are safe, Laura informs Zor to contact Wagner. She sends the coordinates to him, and APEX teams will help the people at Black Rock Tande; they hop aboard the shuttle and fly to the Outland Spire. Once they arrive, it is destroyed. Many raiders and outlaws are dead all around; they slowly advance around the area until they hear cannon fire nearby. They rush to the area with guns ready to fire, and there he is. The krogan was standing over a dead raider. As the others stand back and watch, Covina takes the moment.

She rushes from cover and shouts, "Hold it right there! You are under arrest for murder, kidnapping, and destruction of property! Lay down your gun and the APEX may let you live!"

The krogan turns around. He looks at Covina and sees the three humans; he burst out laughing at them and aims his cannon rifle at the turian.

He says, "Hello, squishy humans and hard plated turian. I am Thanx Groax. And I'll be damned if I lay down my weapon for you Nexus APEX fools."

Johnson steps forward and asks Covina to stand down. She keeps her gun aimed at him.

Groax says, "I guess you are not APEX like the turian here. And for the record, I didn't murder anyone let alone kidnap them. I only kill raiders, outlaws, mercenaries, and scumbags that deserve to die."

A. Paragon Choice: Here to talk.

B. Neutral Choice: You are still under arrest.

C. Renegade Choice: Shoot at Thanx.

Johnson asks, "We are here to eliminate the threats the raiders. If you are not a part of it, then you can go or do you want to talk."

Covina turns to Johnson, "This krogan is wanted for multiple murders and destruction of Prodromos property. We can't just let him go."

Groax replies, "It is true that I did destroy a lot of property, but I never killed anyone except these raiders. They have been collecting a lot of kett tech for some odd reason these last few months. They paid me to help them get it, or they did pay me until they started to come up short. Now, I am taking them out and keeping their money."

Laura adds, "I can't say you are a good krogan, but you are not bad either. I don't know what to call this."

Chris smirks at Groax, "You know we can use your skills for the Syndicate if you are tired of being with the raiders."

Groax yawns loudly and answers, "Well, it was nice seeing you all here, but I'm going to leave now. I don't work for the Enforcers and not for the Apex. Plus, you all will slow me down. And you got the raiders to worry about than me. You better hurry to old kett facility."

Covina fires her handgun by Groax's feet, "You are not going anywhere! By APEX authority, I place you under arrest!"

A. Paragon Interrupt: Let Groax go. (He will return later)

B. Neutral Interrupt: Arrest Groax. (He is in a cell later)

C. Renegade Interrupt: Shoot Groax. (He is dead)

Johnson quickly says, "Forgive her for shooting at your feet. You can go, and we won't follow you."

Groax smiles at Johnson, "You are ok, human. The next time we meet is when I'll ask you for your name. As for you turian pyjak, watch your back the next time we meet. I let only a few people live after they try to kill me."

He walks away and climbs aboard a small hover car. After Groax drives off, Covina turns to Johnson with her eyes focused and mandibles down.

Covina says, "You just allowed a dangerous mercenary to leave. I should have you and your buddies arrested for that."

A. Paragon Choice: It was the right call.

B. Neutral Choice: I saved your life.

C. Renegade Choice: You are lucky to be alive.

Johnson answers, "He won't be a problem, and it was the right call. Plus, he is mad at you for now."

Covina scoffs at his words, "I'm taking the extra shuttle back to the Apex headquarters; they will decide if you get to be a security agent or in jail, but that is after we are done with the last location."

Laura disagrees with taking Covina, and Chris thinks she is too hot-headed. They finish up with the second report to send the information to Zor. Once they search for all the crates, they mark the area and procced onto the last location. Upon arriving at the area, they notice the little protection they have here; there is hardly any watchers, and no one is patrolling. They make quick work of the raiders and secure the area for searching. Many things are found all over the place. They discover supply crates, ammo boxes, and more kett tech that is broken down. It is perfect for reinforcing a small army. Everything is going well until Johnson finds a kett device flashing a light blue color. He picks it up and sees it still in need of repair work. With nothing else left to do, they update and secure the location for Apex. Once the task is done, they return to the outpost. After they make it back, Johnson assures everyone that the raiders are no longer a threat. The people cheer for him as he hears the words Defender of the People. Those words sing to his ears as he remembers his days of protecting the innocent; they gather inside the outpost and Johnson shows Zor an interesting kett device. It didn't take Zor long to study it, but it fills his eyes with curiosity. He quickly looks over it and comes back to them.

Zor says, "Johnson, you found something more than just interesting. Take a look at this please."

They all look at the kett device and see that it shows a map of the Heleus cluster. The only issue is it looks like half of the cluster is missing. The map is incomplete.

Johnson asks, "What does this mean? Why is this kett device showing us this?"

Zor answers, "I'm not sure. Is there anything else you can tell me about what you found at the last raider camp?"

Laura replies, "We found a bunch of kett weapons and supplies. Other than that, there is nothing else."

Chris adds, "If there was anything else, those raiders broke it into scraps. I highly doubt we can find anything else."

Zor looks at the locations on the observation map. He looks back at the kett device. Instead of believing what is in front of him, he makes an interesting request for Johnson and his team.

He says, "I need you to take me with you to the last raider camp. I'll send Wagner an alert to the Apex teams to meet us over there. I need to see the site for myself. It is important."

Covina disagrees, "Hold on, we are not going back there. We are wasting time, and I have reports to submit to Rulmis. We need to go back to Prodromos HQ asap."

Laura turns to Covina, "I don't remember taking orders from you. We are following Johnson's lead."

Chris steps in between them and says, "Now, hold on. If this is serious, we can always contact the Syndicate and let the Enforcers handle this."

Covina harshly replies, "The Syndicate and you can go to hell! I am doing this for APEX. And you missy can back up."

A. Paragon Interrupt: We do this the right way!

B. Neutral Interrupt: Let Wagner decide what is right!

C. Renegade Interrupt: I'll decide what is right!

Johnsons steps to them, "Last I checked you both are following me. So, we do this the right way. Zor will inform whoever he wants while we go back to the old kett facility and see what we missed. As for you, Covina. You can leave at any time since this is over."

Zor nods his head in agreement and contacts Wagner. Covina looks down at Johnson with some rage.

She says, "This isn't over. Once we get back to HQ, I'll make sure you pay for your disregard for the orders of an Apex officer."

Chris laughs, "Yeah, good luck with that. If this all turns out fine, then you may be in hot water."

Laura interrupts, "Enough arguing. We need to get going now."

Johnson, Chris, Laura, Covina, and Zor all climb aboard the shuttle; they fly back to the facility and find it the same as Zor looks around for more evidence. They search through the crates and scraps of parts. Everything is going fine until they hear a small drop ship is overhead. Like on TOS-51, the kett arrive and ready for a fight. A three kett organus and anointed fighters drop from the ship. They start shooting at them team as they duck for cover. Johnson and his team return fire while taking notice of the new kett being. The drop ship leaves the area as the team is outnumbered by too many kett and stuck behind the cover. Although they hold strong in the face of many, a surprise comes to them. Johnson and his team receive reinforcements from both the Apex of the Nexus and the Enforcers of the Syndicate. The odds go against the enemy as they slowly start dying off from the tactics used by both teams. Even Wagner joins the fight as they battle the kett. Once the enemy is defeated, victory is theirs for a short time until both sides stand off against each other. Enforcers squads and Apex teams are ready to see who claims the area.

An APEX squad leader says, "This section is under Nexus authority. Stand down and leave or face the consequences."

The Enforcer Boss replies, "How about you leave the same way you came here, or you will face Syndicate justice."

Wagner comes over and interrupts, "I'm sorry but both of you answer to me, and I answer to your bosses. So, right now, one of my new security agents found this place. We will go by his words. So, what do you want to do, Johnson?"

A. Paragon Choice: We share everything.

B. Neutral Choice: Nexus owns this area.

C. Renegade Choice: This is Syndicate Property.

Johnson answers, "Like the original plan, the Nexus and Syndicate share the resources of this site together. Anything you find, it goes to both sides through Wagner, and he reports it to the leaders."

Laura and Chris are surprised on how Johnson handles the situation. Both forces look through the kett facility to find anything worth sending back. As they continue to secure and handle the remains of the kett bodies, many look at the kett organus bodies. They take notice of how the creature looks both turian and krogan. Wagner orders the bodies be sent back to HQ for further study and inform the leaders of the kett being back. During the search, Johnson and his team discover a door hidden outside of the facility in the rocks. Zor accesses the panel on the wall, and the rocks shift to the side to reveal a hidden corridor. They all walk down the dark hallway until the discover a second door. Like before, Zor cracks through the security system and opens the hidden room. To their surprise, it is more kett technology and a computer. Laura and Chris alert their allies while Johnson and Zor look around with Covina checking the weapons. Zor comes to the computer and activates it; everyone looks at it to see the system come on. Like the small kett device, it shows a map of the Heleus cluster. Wagner and others join them in the hidden room to view the surprise. Johnson and his allies can't believe what they see. The map shows several locations flashing blue; it didn't take Zor long to continue looking through the system.

Zor says, "I believe these are planets the kett will be visiting soon if they are not on them now. I am still amazed how they manage to keep this place a secret from us on Eos. When did they come here?"

Covina adds, "There is no mistaking it. The kett are back in our area, and they plan to launch an assault against us. We need to let everyone know what is going on."

Laura replies, "This is a mission for the Nexus and Apex teams; the Syndicate and Enforcers can stay out of the way. All they will do is make a mess."

Chris turns to her, "And the Nexus makes more problems for everyone than doing the right thing. This job requires the Syndicate and its Enforcers to handle it. Apex will only make things harder for everyone."

A. Paragon Choice: We tell everyone.

B. Neutral Choice: Nexus Leadership should know.

C. Renegade Choice: Syndicate should be informed.

Johnson turns to Wagner and answers, "We need to tell everyone about this place. Both sides of the leadership should know what is coming to Heleus. We don't want to be caught off guard."

Wagner nods, "I'll be sure to inform them of what we discovered. Take a few minutes to finish up here and collect what you can. Our doctors will be looking at those new types of kett."

Johnson and his team finish collecting and studying the map. Though the small map they have is incomplete, Zor summarizes that there may be more to it. For now, they keep the kett facility under close watch with security and make a copy of the large map from the kett computer. With everything finished, they leave out and return to the HQ of Prodromos. Everything has changed and hopefully for the better. Johnson and his team found more evidence that the kett are more than just back. Everyone is anxious, wondering, and full of pride now that they have evidence to support their own reports. As the shuttle lands at the landing zone, Johnson and his team meet with Rulmis. He comes over and looks hard at Covina with fire in his eyes. Covina steps forward, ready to present her inform, but Rulmis raises his hand up.

He says, "I should have known it was you. You really thought you could get away with this and sneak off to join them?"

Covina replies, "I was busy with Johnson and his team. We found out that the kett..."

Rulmis yells, "I don't care what you were doing! You are done and no longer an Apex member! Surrender your rifle, Covina!"

She sighs heavily and throws down her rifle. Rulmis takes off her badge and grabs the rifle from the ground. Covina lowers her head and can't believe it; the others watch and leave her alone. Only Johnson stays behind and comes to her.

A. Paragon Choice: It will be alright.

B. Neutral Choice: You are finally free.

C. Renegade Choice: Fuck the APEX.

Johnson says, "It is going to be ok. You still did the right thing when you came with us."

Covina turns to Johnson, "What would you know? I have nothing now because I was stupid to trust you. Just leave me alone."

She walks off frustrated while Johnson goes inside the building; a new report comes to them from one of the assistants. The angaran assistant comes to Wagner with news of raiders fighting near by an outpost by the Four Giants region. Wagner keeps Zor behind to continue with the kett technology; Johnson and his team accept the tasks to deal with the raiders. They rush back to the shuttle and fly out of the area. Upon arriving, they see the raiders shooting in one area. They land just out of range from them and start attacking them from behind the rocks. Everything is going well until they see the last five raiders thrown back by explosions. Out from the cover of a busted transport, he emerges with smoke coming off him. Krogan raider Thax Groax comes with his gun smoking.

He says, "Heh, thanks for killing the rest of them, but I had this under control."

A. Paragon Choice: What happen here?

B. Neural Choice: What did you do?

C. Renegade Choice: Explain yourself now!

Johnson asks, "What happen to the raiders? Why were they shooting at you?"

Groax answers, "These pyjaks tried to kill me for leaving. So, we had a disagreement on how I should leave. The rest is obvious once they started shooting at me."

Laura says, "Well, it looks like all the raiders are dead. At least it will be safe to continue trade with Advent."

Chris smirks, "And you are out of a job. What is next for you?"

A. Paragon Choice: He joins the team.

B. Neutral Choice: He goes to the Enforcers.

C. Renegade Choice: He surrenders to APEX.

Johnson surprisingly says, "You seem good. I can use you in my team in case the kett show up again."

Chris happily replies, "He definitely would be a great addition to our team. And I like having a krogan watch my back."

Groax looks at Johnson with a smug look, "If what you say is true, then you can consider your partner until the contract is over. I'll come along with you if it means getting off this planet and killing kett if you find any."

With the raider issue taken care of, Johnson and his team report back to the HQ for news. The trip back is quiet yet full of interesting twists; the landing zone has Apex members and Enforcer teams standing around as they get ready to leave for Ditivios. Once their shuttles land, they begin to board their ships as Johnson's shuttle lands. They didn't understand what is going on until they come to Wagner.

He says, "I have submitted the information you have found and did on Eos to both the Syndicate and Nexus leaders. You may want to return to Ditivios for the rest of the meeting. I would go with you, but I am needed here. So, Zor will travel with you and bring the rest of the shocking news to them. Stay safe."

Johnson acknowledges the orders, but there is someone standing his path before they can leave. Covina looks at the team with hatred and disgust. Going against her own thoughts, she comes to them and makes her intentions clear.

Covina says, "Because of you, now I have nothing else and no longer in Apex. So, I'm coming with you to Ditivios, and you better keep the krogan on a tight leash."

Groax laughs at her, "You better watch yourself turian. You may be on his side, but that can change at any time."

A. Paragon Choice: Both of you get along.

B. Neutral Choice: Let's work together.

C. Renegade Choice: Knock it off.

Johnson says, "As long as you travel with me, both of you get along. Now, let's go."

Covina and Groax agree to work together despite the fact they don't like each other. The issue is solved for now, and they all climb aboard a shuttle; they will go to Ditivios and present the new information to the leaders. With everything they have, the leadership of the Syndicate and Nexus can't deny the kett presence in Heleus no more. During the trip to Ditivios, Johnson takes a moment to chat with his teammates and see where their thoughts are. He comes to Chris as he looks on his data pad.

Chris says, "I am ready for more combat. I see being with you is a lot of fun compared to what I was doing before this. And Valisia made the right choice giving you her seal of authority. I just hope the Syndicate will see it that way too."

Johnson asks, "What did you do before this?"

Chris answers, "I was originally supposed to be on guard duty after training is over. They were going to send me to Cojora to watch the place or break in the newcomers. I am now glad I didn't get sent there after living through TOS-51 and staying with you. Sure, we may have difference, but the real problem is the kett are back. And this time, there will be nothing the leaders can do to cover this up."

Johnson and Chris shake hands; they agree that the fate of Heleus is at risk if the Nexus and Syndicate doesn't get along. After their chat ends, Johnson goes to Laura and sees her focused on the view of space. He touches her shoulder and catches her slightly off guard; she turns to him.

Laura says, "Can you believe this? First, the kett are on TOS-51. Then, they come to Eos. I can't help but think of where else they may be at. And I'm sorry for treating you so poorly. I'm just anxious to see the Nexus finally back up our claim. They can't ignore none of this especially if both the Enforcers and Apex on Eos report the same thing."

Johnson agrees and asks, "What was your status before this?"

Laura replies, "I was originally just a desk clerk at Meridian and filing away paperwork was too boring for me. Then, I saw a squad of Apex members. I knew from there that I wanted to be a fighter. And trust me, after I told my family, they really thought I crazy. But they said in was in my blood to fight so here I am. I just want to the Nexus to really see the danger we face here."

Laura promises to support Johnson as they finish up the conversation, but the next two individuals that need to be spoken with are tough to understand. Johnson comes to Groax as the krogan leans against the wall.

Groax says, "You look confused about something. What is on your mind?"

Johnson asks, "What made you decide to come with us? What else did you do before coming to Eos?"

Groax replies, "I was on New Tuchanka until I got tired of being around the others. So, I picked up mercenary work and traveled through Heleus, working with various people. I was busy fighting with or against mercenaries, outlaws, raiders, and exiles. It was great up until I got bored. When the raiders told me of Eos, I followed without any question. I was paid to keep guards and security agents busy while we loot the places. Ask me something else better after we are done with the business at hand."

Johnson agrees to talk later as he steps away from him. He comes to Covina as she does some basic shadow boxing; she nearly crushes Johnson's jaw with a right hook if he didn't duck the punch.

Covina cries, "Spirits! I'm sorry. I didn't see you walk up."

Johnson laughs at her and asks, "It is ok. I understand why you are unhappy right now. Tell me what you use to do for Apex."

Covina shakes her head in disappointment, "Look, I'm sure you are a nice person, but I am not here to be civil with you. I lost my status as an Apex member, stuck on a shuttle with you, and going to Ditivios to hear you explain that the kett are back. Right now, I'm in no mood to talk. All you need to know is all activities from Apex are classified. That is all you get to know. The only thing you get for free is to know that I was like any other person before Apex. Now, please leave me alone and we can talk later."

Johnson is surprised with her firm attitude, but he gives her space to keep her mind focused on shadow boxing. Zor'Kin is busy with analyzing the kett data to be bother. Johnson sits back and lets his mind drift on how things will go, but he is ready to get the problem solved. After arriving at Ditivios, the team sees it less crowded with ships. Once they are in range, Johnson contacts Clark about updates. Zor'Kin sends the needed data to him. As fast as they look over it, Clark urges Johnson and his team to come to his office immediately. The shuttle lands at the port and security escorts the team straight to Clark's office. Groax and Covina wait outside while everyone else enters. Johnson asks Zor'Kin to produce the evidence they found on Eos. The information has Clark flabbergasted beyond words. The map of Heleus shows him the various planets the kett marked; it may seem like nothing, but Clark smirks at this.

Clark says, "I know a problem when I see it. This information proves the kett are up to something and TOS-51 is no accident."

A. Paragon Choice: We got the proof.

B. Neutral Choice: This will be perfect.

C. Renegade Choice: They better wise up.

Johnson says, "The kett warnings will be impossible for them to ignore."

Zor'Kin adds, "There is also this. I had trouble accessing it, but there seems to be a hidden message. I managed to translate it thanks to the omni-tool."

He plays the message, and it says: "TOS-51 is a perfect place to start, but the targets we marked are going to be the best locations to invade."

Clark rubs his chin, "I see the kett love to translate words in their own tongue, but they didn't expect a quarian to break through their system. We need to get this over to the chamber asap. I'll see you all there since they did come back to talk with me. I just hope this all goes well."

Johnson, Chris, Laura, Zor'Kin, Covina, and Groax now stand together at what is going to be made known as the greatest discovery. They know the leaders from the Nexus are here with the Warlords of the Syndicate. They go over what they can report to the leaders, but everyone looks to Johnson as the voice of reason. They all head to the main hall only to hear being louder than ever. Chris and Laura go to their representatives; Covina, Groax, and Zor'Kin remain at the entrance. The message from the omni-tool leaves everyone completely lost in thought. They whisper about the lies of the leadership as everyone now looks to them and hopes they are ready to reinforce all worlds under occupation.

Bynisa says, "This is unexpected and disturbing. How is this even possible?"

Jacob replies, "It is safe to say that the kett are planning to attack us when we least expect it."

Clark calls to them, "The evidence is as real as it gets. The kett are back and we stand very little of a chance if we don't strike at them."

Urkin interrupts, "How do we know that this information isn't fabricated by the Nexus?"

Mayon answers, "We didn't know of this let alone have time to create it. For all we know it is from your side."

Angruo says, "This matter isn't something we can ignore since we know what is coming. I advise we strengthen the three worlds Nexus has."

Datri adds, "If the Syndicate is going to secure their territory, then the Nexus will be doing the same."

A. Paragon Choice: I tried to warn you.

B. Neutral Choice: You should have listened.

C. Renegade Choice: You are weak.

Johnson says, "Now that you believe me, this time you can't ignore the warnings."

Jacob looks to Johnson, "This is impossible to turn a blind eye. But, for all we know, this information can be a lie to lead us from our worlds and strike."

Bynisa agrees, "And if we leave our worlds, they will be at risk with no type of defense."

Clark yells, "We all know that both the Nexus and Syndicate have enough firepower to keep their worlds safe even if they send all their ships to hunt down the kett. All this procrastination is nothing but bull…"

Johnson raises his own voice and steps to the center floor.